The luxury car manufacturer, Lexus, has announced the retirement of its flagship model, the LS, from its UK range after 35 years. The announcement marks the end of an era for a vehicle that was a true innovator across five generations.
The LS was the original Lexus. The brand stated that it set the standard for every vehicle that followed. It debuted in the United States in 1989, and in the UK the following year. Developed by thousands of designers, engineers, and technicians, the LS project, code-named “Circle F” (for Flagship), was initiated by then-Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda and led by Chief Engineer Ichiro Suzuki.
Every aspect of the LS, from its technology to its interior, underwent meticulous scrutiny from the drawing board to road testing. This dedication to detail and craftsmanship became integral to the Lexus brand. The objectives were clear: The car needed to be fast yet efficient, quiet yet lightweight, and elegant yet aerodynamic. Lexus aimed not just to contend with its competitors, but to outperform them.
The car’s debut at the 1989 Detroit auto show was met with a positive response. By the end of its first year, Lexus had achieved its sales target of 16,000 units in the United States. In the UK, the LS was Lexus’ sole model for the first three years, selling over 12,700 units during its lifecycle.
The legacy of the LS is evident in every Lexus model. It pioneered radar and camera-based safety features later integrated into the Lexus Safety System+. The LS also introduced the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission and laser welding techniques for exceptional structural integrity. Furthermore, it led in design, integrating traditional Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship into vehicle styling. Lexus noted that while the LS embodied the saloon tradition, the flagship of their current UK model range is now the Lexus LM, a “luxury mover” offering personalized luxury, including features like reclining seats and a 48-inch ultra-widescreen monitor.
